Agricultural Communications M.S.

Graduate Program: Agricultural Communications M.S.

Oklahoma State University's graduate program in agricultural communications is designed to prepare students for entry into or advancement in a variety of mass media and public relations positions. This program also provides development of professional communications skills for related careers in agribusiness, government service, and extension. The master's degree program in agricultural communications provides a flexible program, which can be tailored to meet each student's unique situation. Specialization areas such as marketing, mass media, and public relations are also available through cooperation with the School of Media and Strategic Communications.

Master of Science Admission CriteriaAdmission to the Master of Science degree program in Agricultural Communications requires the following:

A bachelor’s degree in an appropriate field from an accredited university;

An acceptable grade-point average in undergraduate studies (a minimum GPA of 2.80 or 3.0 in the last 30 hours for unqualified admission);

Recommendations from three people knowledgeable of the applicant’s professional qualifications;

A statement of purpose for pursuing the master’s degree; and

Acceptable scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). The GRE is not required for applicants with a GPA of 3.25 or above in their undergraduate degree program. (school code 6546; department code 3908).

Master of Science Admission Procedures

Applications for admission are made on line at the Graduate College web site (www.gradcollege.okstate.edu). You will be asked to set up an account with a user identification and password. When you are asked to select a degree program, select “Master of Science degree program in Agricultural Communications.” You will be asked to submit a non-refundable application fee of $50.00 for domestic students or $75.00 for international students and to provide copies of all college or university transcripts. Transcripts may be mailed to the Graduate College, 202 Whitehurst Hall, Stillwater, OK 74078-1019, or they may be sent from a secure electronic server to gradi@okstate.edu.

Submit a statement of purpose, three letters of professional recommendation, and GRE scores to the Graduate Coordinator, Department of Agricultural Education, Communications & Leadership, 448 Agricultural Hall, Stillwater, OK 74078-6031.

Your application will be referred to the Department by the Graduate College. After it is reviewed by the Agricultural Communications work group, you will receive notification of its decision from the Graduate College. Applications are reviewed continuously.

Master of Science Degree Options

The Master of Science in Agricultural Communications is designed primarily for students interested in research. The program develops students’ theoretical and research foundation for further graduate studies in addition to further knowledge and skills in agriculture and education or communications. Two options are available in this program.

Thesis OptionThis program requires 30 approved credit hours of coursework including a six-credit-hour formal thesis. The thesis is a report of scholarly research conducted by the student. The scope of the study will normally be of state or national interest, and the thesis will include an in-depth analysis of the findings. Plan of Study Template

Formal Report OptionThe program requires 32 approved credit hours of coursework including a two-credit-hour formal report. Although the formal report is the result of original research, the literature review or statistical analysis may lack the depth required of a thesis. Plan of Study Template